Monday, April 30, 2012

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marisa (in this post), as well as Melanie, kj & Misty Lynn, who shared the following promotion from J.Crew.

J.Crew is {secretly} offering customers to take an additional 30% off all sale items (no min) with promo code MUSTSHOP. This offer expires Thursday, May 3, 2012.

I kept checking J.Crew's website this morning and I could not find this promotion mentioned anywhere. I did a mock checkout and the code totally works. (So it seems like J.Crew is back to secretly sharing its promotions with customers. Meh.)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses.If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses.If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRINGsale, or to see some new SPRING/SUMMERarrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Friday, April 27, 2012

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in theSPRINGsale, or to see some newSUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Back in February, in the "Manolo Blahnik Did Not Know About J. Crew Collaboration" post, we learned that Manolo Blahnik was not aware about their collaboration with J.Crew. "Thanks!" to Angela, who let us know about an article over at Fashionista (click here to read) with the latest on the Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew Collection:

That Manolo Blahnik for J. Crew Collaboration Is Not Happening After AllBy Hayley PhelanApril 26, 2012

Well this is a disappointment. Turns out that Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew collaboration, revealed at the brand’s fall presentation during New York fashion week, is not happening after all.

You’ll recall that Manolo Blahnik reportedly had no knowledge of the collaboration. Still, following that revelation, Jenna Lyons later told The Daily, “We are in a good place with [Manolo Blahnik] now. Everything’s OK,” both parties have decided not to move forward with the project “due to wholesale production restraints on [Manolo Blahnik's] end,” a spokesperson for the shoe company told us. In other words, you better take a good look at those pretty stilettos in the above image because you may never get to put them on your pretty little feet…or at least not anytime soon.

“We were looking forward to the potential collaboration between our two brands, we both came to the conclusion that fall wasn’t the right time,” Manolo Blahnik’s president George Malkemus told us. “We hope to do something together in the future.”

Lyons and her team, who were “a joy to work with” according to a Manolo Blahnik rep, released a statement with a similar sentiment: “We have a mutual admiration for each other and while we couldn’t do this for fall, we hope to collaborate in the future.” Dear (shoe) gods, we hope so too.

The cynic in me doubts there was ever a shoe collaboration between the two in the first place. I think there was a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding that caused the initial announcement in the first place, and why it never moved forward.

Are you sad that the Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew Collection will not be materializing? Do you think they will move forward with one in the "future"? What are your thoughts on this newest development?

Starting from this week, if you call in after they send a wrong item, the regular CS will refer you to a certain "specialist" who asks you to ship it back with no prospects that you'll get the refund soon. No it's no longer OK to just drop off the item at your local store."Send back your item and we'll proceed from there". What kind of CS is that???!!! It's your mistake, J.Crew!

I got the same response when I called about the snap breaking off my matinee trench on it's first wear! CS told me to ship it back and they'd "review it." When I asked what that meant, she said they "review" my claim and would either return my jacket to me or refund my money. When I asked how long, she told me it could take several weeks. I felt like she was accusing me of lying! I just hung up. I am wearing it with a broken snap as a reminder of how cheap J.Crew has become. I am assuming that's what they want you to do. Just give up. For contrast, the strap on my son's Land's end back pack fell apart after a few weeks. Called CS, new backpack shipped immediately with envelope to return old one with no charge.

I contacted CS to ask for replacement buttons and this was their response: We are truly sorry for the quality issues you've experienced with our Jackie Cardigans. We stand behind our merchandise, so we'll be happy to review the items for defects.

As others have mentioned, they wanted me to mail the item back for them to review. I plan on buying buttons and replacing them myself and will have to find another source for Jackie-like cardigans in the future.

In the past, J.Crew was very proactive about correcting any mistakes in defective or incorrect merchandise sent to customers. I remember an instance where I received the wrong pair of ballet flats and J.Crew issued me an immediate refund- right then and there (no merchandise had been returned yet). They just apologized and asked me to drop it off at my local store whenever it was convenient for me. Even though I was upset that I did not get the right shoes, and the pair I wanted sold out, I was delighted how quick and customer friendly J.Crew's response was. It took the sting out of the mistake.

That is why hearing these changes on the new policy- about sending defective/incorrect merchandise to a "specialist", and waiting around for a decision (like going to some type of court to prove your case)- sounds disheartening. One of the reasons I shop at J.Crew and the like (e.g. Nordstroms), is because of their customer-friendly policies.

Personally, I would be really upset if I got a wrong item sent to me and then was told I had to send it in for review because they did not believe me.

Now I understand that customers might abuse the policies. It's terrible and I do not agree with it. However, J.Crew should take steps to note or indicate that on their individual account. The rest of the customer population should not have to be prematurely accused of misbehaving.

What are your thoughts on the recent policy change on defective/incorrect merchandise? Did you encounter it recently?

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

"Thanks!" to Irina, who shared the following email from J.Crew this morning: There are new styles added to the Spring Sale over at J.Crew (click here to shop online).

"Thanks!" to IRL, as well as Caitlin (in this post), who let us know that Madewell is also offering 25% off (no min!) on their Sale (click here to shop online) with promo code WHYNOT. This offer expires Friday, April 27, 2012. They are also offering free shipping on orders of $100+.

Will you be checking out the Sale sections of either J.Crew or Madewell? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

The following article from the Business Insider (click here to read in its entirety) that talks about J.Crew's Mickey Drexler and his business "style":

If You Ever Have A Meeting With Mickey Drexler, You Should Be Prepared For ThisBy Aimee GrothApril 12, 2012

J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler has a reputation for being a no-B.S., very hands-on manager. He famously uses an intercom system at the company's Manhattan headquarters, and doesn't have a problem being blunt with employees.

In a new book out by Gilt Groupe co-founders Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, By Invitation Only, they describe what it was like to sit down with Drexler:

We were ushered into Mickey's large office area, which had a big table for meetings and was out in the open, at the end of a floor of merchandisers. He sat at a corner desk near his assistant, and we sat at a large conference table, separated from his desk by a low partition. ... From the beginning it felt as if he weren't listening to a word we said. This was just his style: he simultaneously does several other things while half nodding. As we spoke, he shuffled papers, checked his BlackBerry, and wrote emails, tossing out a few mmms and uh-huhs to indicate that he was following us.

When we started describing our membership [we] finally got Mickey's undivided attention. That was when he rolled his eyes and said something along the lines of 'Right. Everyone makes up their demographics and prototypical customer.' ... This was when Mickey grabbed his telephone and hit the intercom. Apparently he does this all the time to make announcements across J.Crew's many floors of office space. ... He said something like, 'Hey, I'm talking to this company, Gilt something. What is it? Oh yeah, Gilt Groupe. If anyone has ever heard of it, call me back.' Then he slammed his phone back into the receiver.

Within minutes J.Crew executives and staffers started lining up all around their boss. Soon there were at least fifty people crowded into Mickey's open conference area, not counting the ones who walked by, saw how crowded the office already was, and left.

Well, that story definitely sounds like something Mickey Drexler would do and say! Not sure if this helps or hurts his image though...

What are your thoughts on the story? What are your thoughts on Mickey Drexler's "management style"?

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J.Crew has been dominating its retail sector for years, which has a lot to do with the company's visionaries, CEO Mickey Drexler and President and Creative Director Jenna Lyons.

Lyons recently spoke with Tommye Fitzpatrick at Business of Fashion about the company's retail philosophy, and why J.Crew has forged ahead of Gap:

"Make people feel special. Making people realize you’re paying attention to them is going to be increasingly important, because I don’t think people feel very special anymore. Instead of the classic model, like, here’s a Gap store and here’s a thousand other Gap stores, we’ve really focused on trying to make sure each of our New York stores feel really special and jewel box. We want you to feel like there’s a reason to go into the store. You were in the downtown store, but that actually has slightly different product, has a different mood than the uptown store.”

The key is differentiation. But in creating that, you can't make a bunch of huge changes right away, she says, or you risk losing your customer base: “You can’t do anything quickly. You kind of have to go slow because you have a bunch of customers to get there with you. You can’t flip on them because that can get really confusing to people."

She says that problems are addressed really quickly, too — like how when she complained J.Crew's cashmere products were terrible years ago, Drexler simply said to "change it," and now the company is known for its cashmere. As with any industry, brilliant ideas go nowhere if there isn't good execution.

I do not know why, but this article irked me a bit. There are some quotes I took issue with. Although I love J.Crew (obviously!), I feel like they should not be patting themselves on the back for a job well done, quite yet.

For example, their cashmere quality is still no where near as good as their own cashmere from years ago. So let's not pretend like things got turned around recently. Customers are well aware that is not the case (hello terrible pilling and holes). What they do offer is the most beautiful array of colors for their cashmere sweaters. That, I will give them.

Lastly, I think the Gap is starting to turn things around. I have been checking out their dresses which are quite nice in terms of design, quality, and price points. There are a couple of new items that have been selling out quickly too- which is all great news for them.

What are your thoughts on the article? Any points you disagree or agree with? If so, please share! :)

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

This post features the Porcini-Print Cooper Tuxedo Shirt (item 82254; $88.00). I believe this top came out during J.Crew's Spring 2007 Collection. (Please correct me if I am mistaken.)

What is not to love about this shirt- which has the cutest all-over mushroom print! This lightweight cotton top also features a lovely tuxedo-pleat front detail and three-quarter sleeves. Absolute perfection, if you ask me! :)

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past?Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

Monday, April 23, 2012

"Thanks!" to Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this weekend.

The email not only features the Envelope Dreamweaver Clutch (item 74955; $325.00), but also shares its back story with customers:

We're dreaming in Deco... Our classic envelope clutch gets a punch of graphic glamour courtesy of our handbag designers. The collage of inspiration of their mood board? "Parisian wicker bistro chairs, Cubist paintings, marble-floored salon interiors- even these great black-and-white photos of expat types spilling out of Left Bank cafes." In luxuriously textured leather handwoven into an intricate geometric pattern and topped with gold hardware, this is one retro closet extra we can't keep our hands off.

This clutch is super cute but the price tag is outrageous! Yeah, it is made out of leather but it is also small, measuring at 9"H x 14"W x 1/2"D. I do not know why J.Crew marked this clutch at such a high price point. For that price, I rather go with the Biennial Satchel (Item 57107; $348.00), which is considerably more versatile.

What are your thoughts on the Envelope Dreamweaver Clutch from J.Crew? Have you seen it in person? If so, please share! :)

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses.If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses.If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRINGsale, or to see some new SPRING/SUMMERarrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Saturday, April 21, 2012

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Tiffany Rose (in this post), who let us know the following great news from this morning.

With Spring in full swing, so comes the Spring Sale (click here to shop online). That means the dreaded "final" in the Final Sale is officially gone, allowing for customers to return and exchange sale-priced items purchased online (& hopefully in brick & mortar stores). {wahoo!}

Did you check out the Spring Sale section today? Were you able to snag any amazing deals? If so, please share! :)

Friday, April 20, 2012

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in theSPRINGsale, or to see some newSUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Exciting News: Miss JR let us know that J.Crew is offering free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP! [Not sure if this works for everyone. On my screen, I only see the MUSTHAVE (for 30% off sale items) code.]

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

Has your in-box been looking empty lately? Do you stare off into space sometimes, wondering how to fill the void left by an absence of J.Crew's frequent e-mail blasts about Jenna Lyons's impeccable sweater choices and current obsession with hydrangeas? Well, it turns out that "Jenna's Picks" is "currently on hiatus."

Reports Business of Fashion:J.Crew isn’t afraid to take a real stylistic point of view, most famously with ‘Jenna’s Picks,’ a wildly successful section in the company’s catalogue and website — currently on hiatus — featuring products hand-picked by Lyons. [Says Lyons,] “It was totally not my idea, just for the record. It was actually the person who ran marketing at the time, who’s no longer here, and wanted to do something that felt a little bit more personal. We were trying to make people feel like there was a selection of things.”

In the meantime, J.Crew seems to be diversifying their tastemakers, introducing picks from fashion director Gayle Spannaus and other stylish, orangey-lipstick-wearing staffers who offer tips on "borrowing from the boys" and other Lyons-y pearls of wisdom. (Of course, let's not kid ourselves: The e-mails we're most likely to open are the ones titled "30 percent off + free shipping.")

Well now we know why we have not been getting those "Jenna Picks" emails recently! It got me thinking that this is a good idea (to involve other members of the retailer in their marketing). J.Crew probably does not want the brand to be associated with one executive only.

I had to laugh at the last line of the article, because it is so true! Honestly, I only care about the sweet deals being offered at J.Crew.

What are your thoughts on the "Jenna Picks" emails on hiatus? What other taste-makers should J.Crew include in their marketing campaign?

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Bindi (in this post), Ludo & Elaine (in this post), as well as Jackie & Donna, who shared with us the following news: there are some sneak peeks at the J.Crew + CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund honorees Altuzarra, Pamela Love and Creatures of the Wind collaborations.

The following is from the Daily Mail (click here to read in its entirety):

On the right, Fashion Associate Cynthia Smith wears a cardigan and sweater designed by Creatures of the Wind’s Shane Gabier and Chris Peters (which she teams with a Carven skirt).

Giving an small insight into the direction each collaboration will take, Altuzarra's collaboration will feature Parisian-inspired marinière sweaters, pencil skirts, and 'vertiginous' espadrilles.

Jewellery designer Pamela Love makes her first foray into apparel with boyfriend jeans and shrunken jackets in her J Crew line, available on May 14.

Then Creatures of the Wind will feature 'eye-popping' twinsets, floral summer dresses and patchwork oxfords in their collection, out June 11.

This is the second time the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has partnered with J Crew. Last year saw Billy Reid, Prabal Gurung, and Eddie Borgo’s pieces quickly fly off the shelves.

There has been no mention of retail price-points yet, but last year's collections ranged between $200-$450 - which may be pricey for J Crew, but much more attainable compared to the usual prices attached to the featured designers.

There is a great article over at Fashionista (click here for article) that shows all the pieces in the Altuzarra collection. Click here to check out the slideshow.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming collections? Are you interested in any of the pieces. Do you think these partnerships help build J.Crew's image?

Just a reminder that J.Crew is offering customers to take an additional 30% off all sale items (no min) with promo code MUSTHAVE. This offer expires Friday, April 20, 2012.

I love that this promotion is available both online and in-stores. Also worth mentioning, the 15% student/teacher discount applies to these sale items too. {woot woot!}

I wasn't planning to buy much during this sale, but I fell and I fell hard. I bought a couple of necklaces, bracelets, dresses, and the Tillary Tote in Canvas Stripe. The prices were too good to pass up.

I also scored my long-time crush, the Big-Shot Dot Dress (Item 70542; $158.00} which is on sale currently in stores for $99.99 (before any discount applied). I know this dress is not for everyone, but I heart it so much. As I was purchasing the dress, three women (from different generations) started commenting how much they adored the dress. There is something about polka-dots that bring women together!

Lastly, I have noticed that the in-store and online prices vary {once again}. Depending on the item, you might get a better price at a store or online. Luckily, J.Crew does price match their lowest prices (stores have to call in for online price matching, online needs to call local stores for in-store price matching). It might be a good idea to check out both places beforehand to know which place is offering the better deal.

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

A big "thanks!" to cuckoo4crew, who not only let us know about a few J.Crew items being spotted in the latest issue of Lucky Magazine, but also scanned the images for us to view! (Click on the image to see it larger.) She also shares the following interesting tidbits:

Just wanted to share with fellow JCAs the JC Grosgrain clutch is featured in April issue of Lucky Magazine, illustrated by paperfashion.net (think she was mentioned in the blog before on her illustrations of Jenna Lyons and other JC items). Also in the same issue Madewell had two bags featured--the green suede messenger bag and the striped tote bag.

The items include Madewell's Porchstripe Turnstile Tote (Item 66716; $128.00) in Bleached Linen, Madewell's {not-yet-available} Suede Mini Mailbag ($118.00); and J.Crew's Grosgrain Striped Clutch ($78.00). [I am not sure if the last one is a new clutch, or actually the Invitation Clutch in Ribbon Stripe (Item 72555; $98.00)].

I really like the J.Crew clutch and the Madewell tote- who doesn't love stripes for Summer!? I will take one in both please! :)

What are your thoughts on the pieces from J.Crew + Madewell? Have you already purchased any of the items? If so, please share!

There is a great article over at Jezebel (click here to read in its entirety) about Madewell's future plans:

J.Crew Has Big Plans for MadewellApril 13, 2012

The folks at J.Crew say that little sister brand Madewell is all grown up and ready to move out. "Starting a company like this, where there is a commitment to fashion, quality and design, is not an easy process," says C.E.O. Mickey Drexler. "We weren't ready to take a more ambitious stand until we felt confident. It takes longer [with a fashion brand] than perhaps going into a discount or price-oriented business." The company has big plans for expansion: it says Madewell's retail square footage, which grew up 50% from 2010-2011, will jump by another 30% this year, and the pace of store openings will increase.

J.Crew is also sending Madewell off to college — literally. This summer, a big Madewell-branded Airstream trailer will be winding its way across the U.S., hitting college towns like Lawrence, Kansas, to spread the word about the brand among women aged 20-35. Analysts put the brand's performance at around $100 million in sales this year, and say that it is profitable. J.Crew wouldn't comment.

I have to say, Madewell is really improving their line. Initially I did not care for the brand too much, but now I am catch myself checking them out!

I think the Madewell Denim Roadtrip bus is a neat idea too. They are supposedly offering a styling station, hair braiding bar (aw yeah!), and a secret deal to all customers who show up.

What are your thoughts on Madewell? Are you excited to hear about their expansion plans? Will you be checking their bus out when it travels to your town?

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

There is a little something for everyone in this batch of photos! Just click on any of the images to view them larger.

From what I can see, the dress looks super cute! I am loving all the feminine details on the otherwise simple dress. I am also loving the striped bow top on the first image. It would look great in any season!

Lastly, fellow JCAs are reporting that the latest batch of new arrivals should be coming this week. How exciting! :)

What are your thoughts? Has your opinion on the upcoming line changed? Are you looking forward to the upcoming new arrivals?

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

This post features the Bubble necklace (item 92687; $150.00). This piece came out a few years ago (Spring 2008, I believe). Thankfully, J.Crew reintroduced this piece in several more candy-inspired shades. Loves it!

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past?Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

Monday, April 16, 2012

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Leah (in this post), as well as Jenn in Ottawa and Irina, who shared the following promotion from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew is offering customers to take an additional 30% off all sale items (no min) with promo code MUSTHAVE. This offer expires April 20, 2012. The fine print includes:

*No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid at jcrew.com and J.Crew retail stores only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew Factory stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or to the purchase of gift cards. 30% off discount applies to J.Crew sale and Factory sale online items only. Offer valid through Friday, April 20, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Savings are applied at checkout with code MUSTHAVE. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.

In case it got overlooked, this offer works on Factory items and is available to Canadian JCAs (not sure about other international locations however).

Lastly, I am super excited to see this promotion back at J.Crew. Of course, I am going to take a quick look around to see if there is anything I will get. ;)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses.If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses.If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Incidentals

The following blog is just a forum for people to express their thoughts and opinions about J.Crew. Also, please note that most (if not all) of the images come from J.Crew's website and/ or catalog. Lastly, J.Crew is *not* affiliated with this site. :)